Arambam Sunitikumar : First National Awardee in Wood Carving of Manipur
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Daniel Chabungbam *

Arambam Sunitikumar : First National Awardee in Wood Carving of Manipur

Name: Arambam Sunitikumar Singh
Father's Name: (Late) A. Ibopishak Singh
Mother's Name: Arambam ongbi Manileima Devi
Address: RIMS Road, opposite Nityainanda Temple
Date of birth: 06-08-1955
Profession: Wood carving

Arambam Sunitikumar Singh was born in a family of traditional wood carvers. His father did not adopt the traditional profession of his family. However, Sunitikumar associated himself at the age of 9/10 years with his great grandfather against the will of his father. He studied upto class ten and thereafter involved himself in the profession of his great grandfather.

During his school days he used to devote much of his time in making statues out of clay and other soft materials. After school, he used to work at places other than home owing to his father's disapproval of his activity chart. After his father's death, he devoted full attention to the craft at his residence and achieved excellence in the craft. His hectic work started around 1977-78.

On January 9, 1995 Sunitikumar was awarded National Awards for Master crafts persons and weavers by the then President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. The award was sponsored by Ministry of Textiles. His work on a feeding mother grinding rice on chakri (locally used device to grind rice) made him the first national awardee from Manipur in wood carving. So far, two other Manipuris have received the National award.

The works of Sunitikumar mostly emphasized on the imaginations of poor people struggling for their survival. His works include statues of Fishing by using a local device 'long' (Long khonbi), Grinding rice (Chakri takpa), paya hiba, hidak phu (Manipuri hookah), Phou suba, pung cholom, women torch bearer of Manipur (Meira paibi), Hunter, Sports action, pen stand, etc.

The carvings were mainly done on the traditional motifs of Manipuri culture. His first carving was done on a sandalwood that's depicts a nude women. The wood was given to him by one of his cousin after knowing that Sunitikumar is associated with painting/drawing. With a little help from his grandfather and with the talents he works on wood carving activities.

Arambam Sunitikumar : First National Awardee in Wood Carving of Manipur

Most of the carvings were only meant for gifts and presentations to his well wishers. He did not make for a commercial purpose. But due to the extraordinary carving, his works were on demand. People even from other state use to come to his home and took his carvings. There is no fixed price for it and he usually excepts what the pay. Some carvings were even booked in advance. A carving sometimes could attract two persons. The highest paid carving could fetch Rs. 5000/- beyond his imagination.

Sunitikumar participated in various exhibitions across India. His carvings were displayed in Ernakulam, Surajkund, New Delhi, Mumbai, etc. He won many awards at the exhibition too. He was presented an appreciation in the Special Exhibition for celebration of Golden Jubilee of Indian Independence held at 'Dilli Haat' New Delhi from 8th December to 14th December 1997. He got first prize in Wood carving in an exhibition titled 'Shilleima 94' organized by crafts Council of Manipur under the sponsorship of Development Commissioner for handicrafts, Government of India from October 3 to 12 at Indira Park Imphal. He was offered to make statues for Miss Manipur contest during his good days.

Sometimes a complex carving would take two to three months. The woods are naturally seasoned for 3 to 4 months thereby preserving the original colour of the wood.

He participated in wood carving training programmes as instructor even though no formal classes were conducted. Many enthusiasts visited his home and seek guidance in wood carving procedure. Even today when he has stopped all carving related works, people would come and asked for suggestions.

Participating in exhibitions and his professional works cost him a lot. Only TAs and DAs were provided by the concerned department. During the exhibitions, the money received was spent on their daily uses. So, while returning home from exhibition, a participant would reach home empty handed. But, no one was there to help in any way or the other. This was the main reason why Sunitikumar decided to continue his profession as a wood carver. His good old days had passed but Sunitikumar opined that the persons having talents should be taken care off. This would help in promoting the talents, which is easily available in Manipur.

Even as he is no more associated with wood carving works, Sunitikumar got runner's up at the all India level competition of veteran badminton. He plays as a player in 55+ category. He was a winner of doubles veteran title in national level. His career in veteran badminton started at around 1982. Till now, he participates in international events held in India besides national level tournaments.